TURA, March 22: With spring already here, the season of dry weather and of falling leaves becomes a common sight. Most forests in the state, whether it is cared for by forests or under the purview of the GHADC, see huge deposits of leaves falling to the ground. While natural decomposition of these leaves is the needed norm, Garo Hills, however, sees huge man-made fires in these areas to clear these dry leaves.
A question has been posed by many on whether burning of leaves is actually better for the soil rather than allowing for them to slowly decompose over time.
Personnel from the state Forest department were posed the same question and the answer was unanimous. Burning leaves added no nutrients into the soil and are rather washed away with the first few showers whereas natural decomposition helps the soil get richer over time.
“The burning of leaves to clear them or add nutrients into the soil adds no value. It rather takes away natural mineral content that could have been used by the forests to grow. Further these fires also ensure no new seeds germinate as the heat kills them off,” said Divisional Forest Officer – Eastern Range, Sathish K.
Another worry for forest officials on the issue is that even animals and newly forming plants get caught in the act of forest fires that are meant to clear the debris left by leaves.
“There seems to be a notion that burning dried leaves actually helps minerals and nutrients into the soil. That is a misnomer. With the first few rains, the ash from these leaves are washed away and don’t help the forest in any way,” he added.
Sathish would know as their department along with the social forestry division have been working to spread awareness on the issue. Appeals, he said, have been made by his department as well as that of social forestry to stop people from starting these man-made fires but it has done precious little to change the perception of people.
“Not only was a bigger effort required in the matter but also local NGOs and leaders should also come forward to change this misconceived understanding. That will take the efforts of all as well as willingness,” said the DFO.
One advantage, he felt, was the fact that such forest fires required practically no labour.
Just light a match and the lower sections of the forest are cleared.
As per him, fires that are lit up in state forests are put out immediately by the forest personnel. However, with private forests and those under GHADC, the same is not undertaken leading to many such acts going unstopped.
“You will not find the need for such clearances in forests of a mixed nature. Take the example of Nokrek which remains green throughout the year whereas many state forests have followed mono-culture, with annual leaf shedding which creates a situation where these have to be cleared.”
The practice of jhum (shifting cultivation) has also been the major cause of fires and destruction of forests in the state.
The traditional form of farming is followed in major parts of the state with huge tracts of forests being cleared for subsistence farming in almost all parts of the state. An attempt to move people in fixed land farming is currently being undertaken. However the slow nature of such movement means that such practices will continue for quite some time.
Another issue has been the mono-culture in state forests. Most forest reserves are lined with high-value trees that have been planted by earlier state forest missions. It has now created a situation where these trees have become valuable to smugglers and a tussle for prized wood has ensued. The situation is slowly being rectified through mixed foresting, though for the forests to actually overcome the onslaught, may take decades.
Interestingly, major parts of state forests are lined up with teak – a tree that is alien to Garo Hills but has survived in the most extreme conditions.
“While other plant species, including local ones have a low survival rate (40-50%), teak has survival rates of over 70% in the most extreme conditions. They can overcome invasive forest weeds and outgrow it. Our research is currently on to find replacements that can once again rejuvenate our forests,” added Sathish.
The alarming situation of man-made fires to clear forest debris has made many take notice, one being the Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills, Swapnil Tembe.
The DC, through his social media page, has appealed to all to shun such practises and allow the forest debris to provide much needed nutrients through natural decomposition – an appeal that has been seconded by many in the region.